A TAXI driver has been arrested and suspended from driving over an alleged sex assault on a teenage passenger.

The 25-year-old Asian man was arrested by police last week.

He has been bailed pending further police inquiries and has been barred from driving by Hyndburn Council while the investigation continues.

The 17-year-old girl from Accrington, had been out in Clitheroe on Saturday night into Sunday morning, October 10.

The group got a taxi from Clitheroe towards Accrington in the early hours of the Sunday morning, with one girl getting out in Great Harwood and another in Accrington.

Police said when the girl was on her own, she was sexually assaulted.

The teenager was then dropped off outside The Imperial on Blackburn Road, Accrington, where she flagged down a passer-by.

Police said the ‘Good Samaritan’ stopped and then took her to a ‘place of safety’.

Detective Sergeant Paul Langley, of Accrington CID, said: “We want to urge this Good Samaritan to come forward as he may have further evidence.

“He was driving a red estate car and came to this girl’s aid.

“She is doing well, but was distressed at the time of the offence.”

Police are not linking the attack with any other offences at this time.

Contact Accrington CID on 0845 125 3545 or anonymously on Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.